Should Sustainable Packaging be a Concern During COVID-19?

Four tan cups lie on a white tray next to utensils

The coronavirus has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on all aspects of business, particularly the service industry. As the world isolates themselves in response to the crisis there has been a surge in demand for food delivery, while the use of single-use and sustainable packaging is called into question. Last year a consumer trends report from Asia Pulp & Water found that 64% of Americans prefer purchasing food products that are sustainably packaged. Since the crisis began companies shifted their concerns from sustainability to product safety, in turn shifting production to single-use packaging.

The Impact of Single-Use Packaging

Despite the call for sustainable packaging, single-use plastics are still being produced in high quantities. It is estimated that there are 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced, with only 14% of it ending up being recycled. This is unfortunate as plastic bags can take up to 12 years to decompose, while bottles take 20 years due to their thick polymers. Not to mention styrofoam takes half a century! With the demand for food delivery, businesses are using these plastics to prioritize food safety and quality.

Sustainability Can Still Work in a COVID-19 World

While there are still concerns for safety, sustainable packaging can remain a priority for consumers and business owners. Restaurants that were committed to public sustainability before the COVID-19 crisis can still support innovative packaging amidst the current market changes. There are still plenty of options for brands to phase out single-use plastics. Paper packaging like the Bio Natura Foodpak from Asia Pulp & Paper is still widely available and makes for an efficient solution that is both recyclable and compostable.

A Greater Need for Sustainable Packaging

There is no doubt that food delivery is a must in today’s climate, but we as humans have a responsibility to take care of our environment. With reports coming out of communities suspending recycling programs, it is more crucial than ever for restaurant owners to integrate eco-friendly packaging into their to-go orders. COVID-19 won’t always be a concern, but environmental issues will never leave our daily lives.

Now more than ever business owners need to stick to their guns and keep their sustainability missions going to contribute to a healthier future, which is why at Pioneer Packaging, we take sustainability seriously. We have years of experience and many resources to help provide clients with high-quality packaging that promotes a healthy world. If you are business looking to continue your mission or are interested in shifting your packaging to something more sustainable, contact us to learn how we can help!

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